LICHEN LC-HN Series Electric Constant Temperature Incubator

Overview

The LICHEN LC-HN Series Electric Constant Temperature Incubator is a precision-engineered laboratory incubation system designed for stable, uniform thermal environments in life science research, quality control laboratories, and industrial microbiology applications. Operating on natural convection heating principles—without forced air circulation—the LC-HN series ensures minimal sample disturbance and low vibration transmission, making it especially suitable for non-agitated bacterial culture, enzyme activity assays, seed germination studies, and long-term stability testing of reagents and biological samples. Its temperature regulation architecture employs digital PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control logic with auto-tuning capability, enabling rapid stabilization and high reproducibility across the full operating range of RT + 5°C to 100°C. The system complies with fundamental thermal performance benchmarks defined in ISO 13408-2 (sterile processing), ASTM E2302 (laboratory incubator verification), and supports GLP-compliant workflows through traceable temperature logging and alarm event recording.

Key Features

• Robust structural design featuring a cold-rolled steel outer cabinet with electrostatic powder coating for corrosion resistance and mechanical durability.
• Two interior material options: standard galvanized steel (S-type) for cost-effective general use; or mirror-finish 304 stainless steel (BS-type) with seamless, radius-cornered construction for enhanced cleanability and chemical resistance—ideal for ISO Class 5–8 cleanroom-adjacent environments.
• Digital LCD controller with real-time temperature display, programmable timer (0–9999 minutes), over-temperature cut-off protection, and user-adjustable temperature offset calibration.
• High-efficiency silicone door gasket ensuring thermal integrity and acoustic dampening—reducing ambient noise by up to 3 dB(A) during extended operation.
• Top-mounted adjustable exhaust valve permitting controlled venting of moisture-laden air, mitigating condensation buildup and maintaining consistent internal humidity profiles during prolonged incubation cycles.
• Modular shelf system with tool-free, stepless vertical adjustment—enabling flexible load configuration across all chamber volumes from 15.6 L to 210 L.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LC-HN series accommodates Petri dishes, multi-well plates, test tubes, flasks, and culture bottles without airflow-induced desiccation or cross-contamination risk. Its natural convection design eliminates turbulent air movement, preserving colony morphology and minimizing evaporative loss in open-container assays. Units are CE-marked and manufactured under ISO 9001-certified quality management systems. While not classified as medical devices under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, the incubators meet essential safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 (electrical safety for laboratory equipment) and support validation protocols aligned with USP <1211>, EU GMP Annex 15, and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards. Optional external data loggers (e.g., calibrated thermistor arrays) may be integrated for IQ/OQ/PQ qualification.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller supports manual operation only—no proprietary software or USB connectivity is included. However, analog voltage output (0–5 V DC) is available upon request for integration with third-party SCADA or LIMS platforms. All models record timestamped alarm events (e.g., over-temperature, door-open, power failure) in non-volatile memory with retention exceeding 10,000 entries. Audit trail functionality satisfies basic GLP record-keeping needs; full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires external validated data acquisition hardware and electronic signature implementation.

Applications

• Bacterial and fungal cultivation (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, A. niger) under static conditions per CLSI M07-A10 guidelines.
• Enzyme kinetics and protein denaturation studies requiring precise, vibration-free thermal exposure.
• Seed viability testing and plant tissue culture pre-incubation in agricultural R&D labs.
• Stability testing of diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and biologics per ICH Q1A(R2) accelerated storage conditions.
• Quality assurance of raw materials and finished products in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing facilities.

FAQ

Does the LC-HN series support forced-air convection?
No. It operates exclusively via natural convection to maintain laminar thermal conditions—suitable for non-agitated cultures but not recommended for applications requiring rapid heat transfer or uniformity across large vertical gradients.
Can the incubator be validated for GMP use?
Yes. With optional calibrated reference probes and external data loggers, IQ/OQ protocols can be executed per ASTM E2251 and ISO 14644-3. Full PQ requires application-specific challenge studies.
What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?
The unit is rated for ambient temperatures up to 30°C. Operation above this threshold may reduce temperature stability and extend recovery time after door opening.
Is remote monitoring possible?
Not natively. RS-485 or Ethernet interfaces are not built-in; however, analog output signals can interface with building management systems or custom IoT gateways.
Are replacement shelves and accessories available separately?
Yes. Standard wire mesh shelves, stainless steel trays, and door gaskets are stocked and shipped globally with lead times under 10 business days.